Tanking in the NBA has always been controversial for many reasons. But it seems to be becoming a real problem not only for fans, but also for the quality and competitive spirit of the game.
One big reason this is happening is due to the loose rules regarding tanking. Teams can take out their best players at important moments under the guise of preventing injury and developing players with low minutes. But the fans know what’s going on, and it’s ruining the watching experience for many.
East Junior and Bulls fan Gavin James is one of the many fans who have noticed the ultra tanking done by coaches and GMs, and he’s sick of it.
“It’s a big problem because the games just aren’t entertaining anymore with teams resting all of their star players,” James said.
But the entertainment of the game isn’t the only issue. Fans spend their hard-earned money to see their favorite players play, often just to learn that the players are either being rested, taken out early, or getting limited minutes to start with. This needs to be fixed if fans are going to keep coming to games.
One way this can be done is by implementing the PWH draft rules. This means that when a team is eliminated from the playoffs, each game they win gets them a draft point, and whichever team has the most points gets the number 1 pick. Every team would get the pick that directly corresponds to how many points they have.
East Junior and basketball fan Daniel Camarena agrees that this should be the new process and has reasons to back it up.
“The PWH draft rules would make it so fans can get the experience of watching their team be competitive, while also having the chance to get a high pick. It’s a win-win,” Camarena said.
So, is tanking a big issue? The answer: a resounding yes. However, with stronger fan support and pressure on NBA rulemakers to consider the PWH rules, tanking won’t have to define the league’s future.
Instead of rewarding losing, the NBA can encourage teams to compete every night, protect the integrity of the game, and give fans the exciting, meaningful basketball they deserve.
Written by junior Nicholas Reingold and senior Ethan Lin. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.